Current issues in OSCM do not include:
a. Making senior management aware that OSCM can be a competitive weapon
b. Coordinating relationships between organizations
c. Increasing global supply chain employment
d. Managing customer touch points
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
The correct answer is:
c. Increasing global supply chain employment
Explanation:
Operations and Supply Chain Management (OSCM) involves the design, operation, and improvement of the systems that create and deliver a firm’s products and services. As a discipline, OSCM continuously evolves to address new business challenges. Let’s analyze why each option is either a current issue or not.
a. Making senior management aware that OSCM can be a competitive weapon
This is a current issue in OSCM. Many firms still undervalue the strategic role that effective supply chain and operations management can play. Educating senior leaders on how OSCM drives efficiency, reduces costs, improves customer satisfaction, and enables market responsiveness is critical. Companies like Amazon and Toyota use OSCM as a key source of competitive advantage.
b. Coordinating relationships between organizations
This is also a current issue. Supply chains are increasingly global and involve multiple partners, including suppliers, manufacturers, logistics providers, and retailers. Effective coordination among these players ensures smooth operations, reduces lead times, and mitigates risks. Technologies like ERP systems and collaborative planning tools are helping address this issue, but coordination remains a complex challenge.
c. Increasing global supply chain employment
This is not a current issue in OSCM. While employment levels may fluctuate due to automation, economic changes, or geopolitical factors, increasing employment is not an inherent goal or pressing concern in OSCM. In fact, many current trends, such as automation, robotics, and artificial intelligence, aim to reduce labor needs and improve efficiency. The focus is more on productivity and value creation, not simply on expanding job numbers.
d. Managing customer touch points
This is a current issue. OSCM plays a major role in customer experience, especially through service delivery, responsiveness, and issue resolution. Managing customer touch points effectively—such as returns, inquiries, and service updates—is crucial for retaining customer loyalty and ensuring satisfaction.
In conclusion, while options a, b, and d represent real and relevant challenges in OSCM today, option c does not and is therefore the correct answer.